Self-adjusting three-stage control



Sept- 21, 1943- J. L. BREEsE 2,329,820

SELFADJUSTING THREE-STAGE CONTROL Sept. 21, 1943. J. L. BREEsE SELFDJ UST ING THREE- STAGE CONTROL Filed Sept. 18. 1941 s Smets-sheet 2 you '2g 20 23 3l 33 r 27 if.; /9 32 I E g i. l I

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Sept. 21, 1943. J. L. BREESE SELF-ADJUSTING THREE-STAGE CONTROL Filed sept. 18, 1941 :s 'sheets-sheet s 25a/'enfer J'affzes. r'eens'e Patented Sept. 21, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I SELF-ADJUSTIN G THREE-STAGE CONTROL 'James L. Breese, Santa Fe, N. Mexgassignorto Oil Devices, Santa Fe, N. Mex., a limited partnership of Illinois Application September 18, 1941, Serial No. 411,328

12 Claims.

My invention 'relates to .an improvement in control devices for liquid fuel'bur'nersv and has for one purpose the provision of a control del sensitiveness of control.

Another purpose is the provision of control means which automatically adjust the liquidy fuel supply to a given heat loss, whereby, unless the heat loss changes,v a uniform heat delivery .may be maintained.

Another purpose is the provision of sensitive automatic' means for automatically varying the fuel supply to the burner in response to changes in heat loss conditions of the space 4to be heated.

Another purpose is the provision of automatic means for moving the fuel supply control to maximum when heat loss '-increases, and for thereafter returning it to an adjusted medium flow of fuel, such medium flow of fuel being modulated in response to the changed heat loss conditions of the space to be heated Another purpose is the provision of means for returning the control to minimum or pilot flow in response to decreased heat losses and for thereafter modulating the medium or average ow to compensate for a lower heat loss.

Other purposes will appear from time to time in the course of the specification and claims.

I illustrate my invention more or less diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings wherein.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section illustrating a variant form of .my invention.

Like parts are indicated by like symbols throughout the specification and drawings.

Referring to the drawings, I generally indicates a oat chamber, thedetails of which do not of themselves form part of the present invention. It `will be understood that any suitable iloat means not herein shown 'may be provided for maintaining a predetermined level of fuel in the float chamber. Any suitable means not herein shown may be provided for supplying fuel to which may be connected by any suitable duct, not herein shown, to the burner with which the device is employed. The outlet 2 is in communication with an interior passage 3, which in turn communicates with two outlets l and `5, each ot which is associated with a valve seat 6 and 'I, respectively. Y Y e Mounted for cooperation with said valve seats are the valve stems B and 9, which are normally urged toward open position by light coil springs I0, -I I. 'I'he valve members may be provided with any suitable metering slots I2 and I3. It will the chlmber. 2 indicates any suitable oil outlet, 55

be observed that the slot I2 of the pilot and medium valve stem is sharper than the slot I3 of the high fire valve stem.

Pivoted to the wall ofthe housing, as at I4,

is an -arm I5, the downward movement of which maybe adjusted as by the adjusting set screw I6. The arm is provided with a terminal yoke portion I1, which may be pivoted or otherwise secured to the valve stem 8. Any suitable abutment means may be provided for receiving the upper end of the spring Ill. It may abut against the yoke if necessary. the point being that the light spring I0 tends to lift the valve stem 18. However, this lifting movement is resisted by the heavy coil spring I8, which is compressed between the arm or yoke I5 andthe warping bar I9, secured to the top of the ioat chamber I. The warping bar I9 is normally in the upper positionv in which it is Vshown in Fig. 1. It is provided with a resistance or heating element 20, the circuit of which will be later described. The upper ends of the valve stems 8 and 9 are provided with top plates or abutments 2|, 22, the purpose of which will later appear.

Associated with the stem 9 is a similar lever and yoke, generally indicated as 23, pivoted to the float chamber, as at 24. Opposed to the top of it is the heavy spring 25, which is compressed i between the yoke 23 and the warping bar 26 with its resistance 21. The warping bar 26 is normally in the down position in which it is shown in Fig. 1. At the ends of the warping bars I9 and 26 are spring urged pawls 28, 29, which are opposed, respectively. to gears 30, 3l, pivoted in relation to the housing, as at 32, 33, and in mesh with each other. Moving unitarily with the gears 30 and 3i are the generally arcuate cams 34 and 35, respectively, which have surfaces eccentric in relation to the centers 32 and 33, and which are adapted to oppose the valve stem top `abutments 2| and 22 at various times.

40 indicates the central bimetallic member or leaf of P house thermostat, having fixed contacts y 2,32 ward .open position as by the medium spring 8i.

The stem 60 is provided with an abutment head 62. It will be understood that the abutment v heads 2 and 62 of the stems 5I and 59 perform ment of the minimum or pilot flow position of the valve stem 5I.

The rest of the structure of Fig. 5 is identical with the structure shown in Fig. 1 and involves the employment of an identical-circuit, which will therefore not be separately described in connection with Fig. 5.

.It will be understood that the spring I8v is stronger than the spring 6I, the spring 6I is stronger than the spring 25, and the spring 56 is Weakest of all, as it has to be of lesser strength than the spring 25.

The operation of this form of the device is the same as described in the form of Figs. 1 and following except that the stem 59, instead of directly controlling the fiow of fuel through a separate outlet, serves as a stop means through the member 63 for limiting the downward movement lof the valve stem 5I toward pilot or minimum iiow position. Thus, in the movement of the valve stem 5I the stop 53 serves as a downward stop or limit, the position of which may vary in response to changes in the position of the cam 34, and the cam 35 serves as an upward stop to control the movement of the valve stem 5I towards fully open position, which fully open position is varied or controlled in response to movement of the cam 35. The .operation of the cams or their response to temperature changes is the same as that described in connection with Figs. 1 to 4.

plied to a fuel supply to .a liquid hydrocarbon burner, it will be understoodthat I do not wish to belixnited to such use.

I illustrate, as applied for controlling fuel tov a hydrocarbon burner, a thermostatically controlied three-stage, self-adjusting fuel control.

The three stages are, first, the pilot stage shown in Fig. 4, -in which a minimum supply of fuel vis delivered; second, an intermediate stage, in which more than a `pilot'butless than a maximum supply of fuel is permitted to iiow, the invtermediate vstage being shown in Fig. 1; and, third, a'high fire stage in which a maximum of fuel is supplied, this stage being shown'in Fig. 3. I illustrate my ,modulatingl control as employed with a three-stage thermostat in which a conductive leaf 49 may be at`v the intermediate posi tion, as'shown in Fig. l, or may engage either one of the two xed adjustable contacts. 4I, 42.

(An important feature of my invention' is thefacttht, whereas the `minimum vsetting of the two movable valve members 8 and 9 is constantduring'use, themaximum setting varies as the controlpperates, sothat a cycle of operation Vmay continue until the valve stem 8 which controls the intermediate position or intermediate now may be raised toa point where it satisfies the thermostat.

Assume that the parts are in the intermediate position, as shown in Fig. 1, with the leaf 40 in Vintermediatev position. If the flow of fuel controlled bythe valve stem 8 is proper to maintain the desired temperature, then the leaf 40 remains in its intermediate position, and the lcontrol does ont operate. However, if therewere somewhat too much fuel iiowing and the house overheats, the leaf 40 flexes to the left and closes a circuit through the resistance 20 of the warping bar I9. 'I'his causes the warping bar I9 to warp down from its normal full line position of Fig. l to the dotted line position in which it is shown in Fig. 1, and as it warps down it moves the gear 30 one step, and thus sets the cam 3 4 at a slightly lower position. At the same time the spring I8 is compressedg-and since it is a heavier spring than the light spring I9, it is eiIective to move the valve element 8 down to `the position in which it is shown in Fig. 4, the downward limit being adjustably controlled by the stop I6. Thus, only a pilot or minimum flow of fuel is possible, and the house cools. After it hascooled to a suiiicient de/gree, the thermostatic leaf 4i) warps back into intermediate position, and the intermediate flow continues, although at a slightly lower volume,since the cam 34' has been depressed. If the house still overheats, the processcan be repeated until the intermediate flow satisfies the thermostat.` 35 It will be understood also that at each Iactuation of the warping bar I9, the gear 3| is rotated in a clockwise direction, and thereby the cam 35 v which vcontrols the upward limit, of movement of the valve 9V is raised. This, however, has no immediate function, since, as long as the intermediate setting of the valve 8 equals or exceeds the demands of the thermostat, the valve 9 is not actuated.

Assume, however, that the supply of fuel which `passes the' valve element l is insuflicient. for the adequate heating ofthe house or is insumcient to satisfy the thermostat, if the thermostatic setting is changed, then as the house cools the leaf 49 may swing far enough to the right, referring 50 to the position of the parts in Fig. l. to contact the adjustable contact element 42. In this event the resistance 21 of the warping bar 28 is heated, and that warping bar moves from its normal bottom position, in which it is shown in Figs. 1 and 4, to its top position, asA shown in Fig.' 3. The result of this upward movement of the warping bar 24 is to release the yoke N and to permit the light spring II to lift the valve element 9 as high as the cam 3l will permit. At the same time the gear )I is moved counterclockwise, slightly reducing the effective height of the cam 3l, and the gear 3| is moved clockwise, slightly increasing the height of the cam I4. The result of the excess fuel supply is a heating of the house, which o5 shortly satisfies the thermostat and moves it, say,

to the intermediate position in whichl it is shown.

in Fig. 1. When that tak place, the warping bar 2 5 drops back to the position in which it is shownin Fig. 4, without affecting the setting of -It will be understood, ci course, that each'time that the leaf le returns to intermediate position, position in which they the valve elements taire the are shown in Fig. l.

In order to limit theA possible movement oi the vcams, l provide interruptions @da and Sic in the gear teeth of the gears il@ and Si; respectively. lt will be understood. that the parte are so proportioned that the gears are always in mesh and the cams and gears always rotate in unison, but the gaps are so proportioned that the rotation ci the gears and the setting oi the cams is limited.

A. rui-ther application o my invention is to the modulation. of iiow through a single valve in which one cam limits the movement oi the valve "stem controlling such valve, and the other cam,

geared thereto, serves as an adjustable stop for limiting the movement of the valve stem towards valve closing position. Otherwise the operation oi the device is substantially as above described.

l claim: l l. ln combination, a pair oi' movable valve v members, means tending normally to move each said valve member toward open position, a rotate able spiral cam positionedin the line of movement. of each said valve member, means for simultaneously rotating said cams in an opposite eective direction whereby the possible opening movement of one of said valve members is increased and the possible opening movement ofl the other of said valve members is simultaneously decreased, including a direct driving connection between s'aid cams, and therinostatically operable means for rotating said cams.

2. in combinatiom a pair of movable -valve members, means tending normally to move each said valve member toward open position, a rotatable spiral cam positioned in the line -of movement of each said valve member, means for simultaneously rotating said cams in an opposite effective direction whereby the possible opening movement of oneof said vvalve members is increased and the possible opening movement oi' the other of said valve members is simultaneously decreased, including a direct driving connection between said cams, and thermostatically operable means for rotating said cams, including a room vtl'iern'iostai; having a, exing member and a pair g rif-separate contacts, and a heat motor having a eiectlve direction wherebythe possible openingmovement oi one oi said valve members is in creased and thepossible opening movement oi the other oi said valve members is simultaneously -f decreased, including a direct driving connection between said cams, and thermcstatically operable means ior rotating said cams, including a' room',

' ascenso y' able` spiral cam positioned' in the lineof move- .ment of leach; said valve. member, means for simultaneously rotating said cams in an opposite eiective direction whereby the possible opening movement ci one oi said valve members is-increased and the possible opening movement oi the other or said valve members is simultaneously decreased, including e. direct driving connection between said cams, and thermostatically operable means for rotating said cams, including a room thermostat having a flexing member and a pair of separate contacts, and a warping bar having a resistance in circuit with each said contact, and l an actuating member associated with each said warping bar and adapted to rotate saidcams in Y an opposite direction of rotation.

, 5. 'In a self modulating multiple valve control for the ow of liquids, a liquid' source, a pair oi valves in communication with said liquid source, each such valve including a movable valve` ele- -ment, means for limiting the closing movement of one of said valve elements to permit a minimum flow of fluid, the other valve element being movable to completely closed position, movable means for variably limiting the opening move.- ment of said first mentioned valve element to a predetermined intermediate ow setting,A movable means for variably limiting the opening"- movement of said second valve element to amaximurn flow setting, and separate, temperature responsive means for moving said variably limiting means in unison the :lirsi'.\towarcl omn-A ing and the second toward closing position or the second toward opening and the first toward closing position.

6. ln a self modulating control for the flow of fluids, a pair of movable control elements, means for guiding said elements along a predetermined pathLvalve means `responsive to the positioning of said movable control elements, andmea'ns for vsimultaneously reducing the possible 'movement of one of said control, elements toward a maximum setting and for increasing the possible' movement of the other toward a maximum setting including an actuating connection interposed between said movable control elements and heat responsive means for actuating said actuating connection, said actuating connection being adapted to move said control elements simultaneously in opposite directions.

7. ln a self modulating control for-the flow of fluids, a pair o movable control elements, means for guiding said elements along a predetermined f path, valve means responsive to the positioning simultaneously reducing the possible movementv of one of said control elements toward a maxi- `mum. setting and for increasing the possible of said movable control elements, and means for movement of the other toward a maximum setting, including variable limit means for said movablef control elements, yielding means tending normally to urge said control elements toward ,said limit means, and temperature responsive meansl for simultaneously moving said limit thermostat having a dering member and a pair Y' of separate contacts, and a heat motor having a resistance in circuit with each said contact, and

an actuating member associated with each' said heat motor and adapted to rotate said cams, each .said actuating member being adapted to rotate said cams in an opposite direction of rotation.

' e. In combination, a pair of movable valve members, means tending normally to move each said valve member toward open position, a rotatmeans in opposite eective directions...

VEl. In a self modulating control for the ow of fluids, a pair of movable control elements, means for guiding saidI elements each alonga predetermined path, valve means responsive to the positioning of said movable control elements, means for simultaneously reducingthe possible movement oi one or" said control elements toward a maximum setting .and for increasing the possible movement of the other of said control elements toward a maximum setting, including a pair of -to one of said movable said abutment member bers, adapted to movable abutment members opposed each to one of said movable `control elements, a driving connection between said movable abutment members, adapted to cause them to move simultaneously in opposite directions, and heat responsive `means for moving said driving connection, and for thereby simultaneously moving said abut- -ward a maximum setting and for increasing the CTI possible movement o'f the other of said control F elements toward a maximum setting, including a pair oi' movable abutment members opposed each,

control elements, a driving connection -between members, adapted to cause them to move simultaneously in opposite directions, and heat responsive means for moving said driving connection, and for thereby simultaneously moving said said movable abutment abutment elements in opposite ',directlons, each having a generally spiral surface adapted to ontact one 'of said control elements. i l v l0. In a self modulating c ontrol for the ow of iluids, a pair oi' movable for guiding said elements each along a predeter mined path, valve means vresponsive to thel positioning oi' said movable control elements, means for simultaneously reducing the possible rmovement of one of said control elements toward a maximum setting and for increasing the possible movement oi the other of said control elements toward a maximum setting, including a pair of movable abutment members opposed each to one of said movable control elements, a driving connection between said movable abutment memcause ously in opDOSite directions, and heat responsive means i'or moving saiddriving connection, and for thereby simultaneously moving said abutment elements in opposite directions, each said abutment member lace adapted to contact one `of said control elements, said abutment members being mounted ior rotation about parallel laterally spaced axes.

11.f !n a seli' modulating control for the now of liluids, a pair of movable control elements,

control elements, meansthem to move simultane- .ments toward a 5 means for guiding'said elements each along a predetermined path, valve means responsive Vto the positioning of said movable control elements, means for simultaneously reducing the possible movement of one of said control elements toward a maximum setting and for increasing the possible movement of the other of said control elemaximum setting,` including a pair of' movable abutment members opposed each toone of said movable control elements, a drivlng connection between said movable abutment members, adapted to cause them to move simultaneously in opposite directions, and heat responsive means for moving said driving connection, and for thereby simultaneously moving said abutment elements in opposite directions, each said. abutment member havinga generally spiral surface adapted to contact one of said control elements, said abutment members being mounted for rotation about parallel laterally spaced axes, the driving connection including a pair of meshing gears, having axes commonv each to one of said movable abutment members.

12. In a self modulating control for the ow of fluids, a pair of movable control elements, means for guiding said elements each along a predetermined path, valve means responsive to the positioning of said movable control elements, means for simultaneously reducing the possible movement oi one of said| control elements to- Yward a maximum setting and for increasing the possible movement of the other of said control elements toward a maximum setting, including a pair of movable abutment members opposed each to one oi' said movable control elements. a driving connection between said movable abutment members. adapted to cause them to move simul- V taneously in opposite'directions, and heat rehaving a generally spiral sursponsive means for moving said driving connection, and for thereby multaneously moving said abutment elements i opposite directions, each said abutment member having a generallyspiral surface adapted to contact one of said control elements. said abutment 'members being mounted for rotation about ,parallel laterally spaced axes,

the driving connection including a pair of meshinggears, having axes common each to one of vsaid movable abutment members, there being a separate heat responsive element adapted to en- Y 'gage and move one of said gears, and means eii'ectiv'e'to energize said heat responsive elements one ata time.

` JALIES L. BREESE. 

